UNITED NATIONS, Sept 23: President George W. Bush asked the United Nations on Tuesday to adopt a resolution to prevent the spread of chemical, biological and nuclear weapons.

He cited the danger of these weapons falling into the hands of terrorists as the reasons for the international community to take such measures.”These weapons could be used by terrorists to bring sudden disaster and suffering on a scale we can scarcely imagine.”

“This resolution should call on all members of the UN to criminalize the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction,” Bush told the UN General Assembly.

He said the resolution should also enact strict export controls consistent with international standards to secure all sensitive materials within the borders of member nations.

“The United States stands ready to help any nation draft these new laws, and to assist in their enforcement,” Mr Bush said.

Mr Bush challenged the United Nations on Iraq to support his plan for steady transition to democratic rule in Iraq, but made clear that the United States would follow a timetable “neither hurried nor delayed by the wishes of other parties”.

“This process must unfold according to the needs of Iraqis,” he said at the opening of the 58th UN General Assembly.

Mr Bush spoke as negotiations continued behind the scenes on a new UN resolution setting terms for the handover of power.

He exhorted the world body to play an expanded role in Iraq’s reconstruction. The UN should assist in preparing a constitution for Iraq, help train civil servants and conduct free and fair elections, Mr Bush said. “Every young democracy needs the help of friends,” he declared.

The president’s address was received politely by the General Assembly audience with understated applause and no ovations.

Among the world leaders listening to Mr Bush were President Pervez Musharraf, Ahmed Chalabi, President Jacques Chirac of France and German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee.